July 20, 2006
Western Carolina begins the fifth season in the Kent Briggs era. After establishing Western in his first two years as one of the top offenses in the Southern Conference, the defense has progressed over the last three years to stake its claim as one of the league's best. Also, this past season, the Catamount special teams emerged as Western led the nation in kick returns, while Tim Mayse ranked 11th nationally in punting average.
With those three phases of the game coming together, the 2006 season promises to be an exciting one.
"Momentum from several big wins last year and playing for the Southern Conference championship in the last game has really put a fire in our football team," Briggs said.
Western returns its starting quarterbacks from 2004 (Bennett Swygert) and 2005 (Justin Clark); its All-Southern Conference tailback Darius Fudge; perhaps its best offensive lineman from last season, Marcus Thomas; its top two receivers from 2005 (J.C. Brown and Michael Hines). On top of that, Western has a versatile weapon in L.J. Davis, who will play both running back and tight end, while 2004 starting tight end James Singletary returns after taking a medical redshirt last season.
"Our skill positions will be our strength if we stay healthy," Briggs said.
The Catamount defense lost a number of starters, including 2005 tackles leader James Conklin and All-SoCon performers Lamar Barnes, Rico Reese, Primus Glover and Francis Brown. However, back is preseason All-American Felipe Foster to anchor the defensive line, while the linebacking corps features veterans Shelton Gaffney and Travis Hill and sophomore Marcus Nelums. And, even though Western lost two All-SoCon performers in the secondary, senior cornerback Bruce Lee was an all-league selection in 2004, senior safety Mitchell Dukes ranked among the nation leaders in sacks in 2005 and junior cornerback Carlton Bailey has proven to be one of the top cover men in the SoCon.
"Defensively, I'm excited that we have talented players that can maintain our momentum as one of the best units in the Southern Conference over the past two years," Briggs said. "The challenge will be to replace the number of starters we lost from last year. The nucleus for a strong defensive unit is there with the return of Felipe Foster, Mitchell Dukes, Shelton Gaffney, Bruce Lee, Carlton Bailey and Travis Hill."
While both the offense and defense feature a number of key returning players, the Cats' specialists all return, including All-American candidate Mike Malone (return specialist), All-American candidate Tim Mayse (punter), junior Stephen Brown (punter/placekicker/holder), sophomore Jonathan Parson (placekicker) and senior Bubba Hamrick (deep snapper).
Western will need all three of those phases to come together as it faces a tough 2006 schedule.
"Our home schedule is action packed and featuring three programs that have won a combined nine national championships - Eastern Kentucky (2), Georgia Southern (6) and defending champion Appalachian State (1)," Briggs said.
After opening up on Aug. 31 versus Chowan, Western will host one of the top offenses in I-AA football, Eastern Kentucky, before having games versus perennial powers Furman (in Greenville Sept. 23) and Georgia Southern (at home on Sept. 30). After hosting the Eagles, four of Western's next five games will be played on the road, including Elon (Oct. 7), The Citadel (Oct. 21), Wofford (Oct. 28) and Liberty (Nov. 4). The Cats' lone home contest during the span is an Oct. 14 Homecoming affair with Chattanooga.
The Catamounts will close the home schedule by hosting Appalachian State on Nov. 11 in the annual Battle for the Old Mountain Jug. The 2006 regular season will come to a close on Nov. 18 as Western travels to Ben Hill Griffith Stadium - better known as "The Swamp" - to face the University of Florida.
Quarterback
The quarterback position went from a question mark in 2005 due to a lack of depth to one of Western's deeper positions. Already in place is 2005 starter and senior Justin Clark. Then, in January, fifth-year senior Bennett Swygert returned after sitting out 2005 and the Cats added newcomers Adam Hearns, a true freshman, and University of Cincinnati transfer, Todd Spitzer.
"I am excited about the upcoming year," Briggs said. "We are potentially strong in several key areas and I feel like the quarterback situation is greatly improved. Justin is coming off a solid year, Bennett is back and healthy and we have quality depth."
Clark split time as the starter in 2004, namely coming off the bench to lead Western to a dramatic come-from-behind win over Appalachian State. In 2005, Clark took sole possession of the reigns and, not only led Western to a winning record, but put the Cats in position to play for a Southern Conference championship. Clark completed 56 percent of his passes last season (120-of-214). While his completion percentage dropped a little from his previous year, connecting on 59.1 percent of his passes in 2004, his yards per game rose from 118.3 to 139.2. to rank third in the league.
After a number of surgeries to his knees and shoulder, Swygert sat out the 2005 season to allow his body time to recuperate. That decision seems to have been beneficial as the Summerville, S.C., native looked sharp in his return during spring drills. Swygert, who came to Western prior to the 2004 season from the University of South Carolina, started six of his seven games played in 2004. After a slow start to his sophomore season in 2004, Swygert started taking control of the offense midway through the season. In fact, he had completed 14-of-20 passes at Furman before leaving the game in the second quarter with a shoulder injury. He did return to the starting lineup five games later for the Appalachian State contest. He completed 17-of-26 passes for 102 yards with two touchdowns before leaving that game with another shoulder injury.
Hearns, who committed to Syracuse prior to his senior season in high school, came to Western in January of 2006 after a year at Milford (N.Y.) Academy. Spitzer, who also came to Western this past January, will also vie for playing time.
Running Back
Any time a team has an all-conference running back returning, the outlook for that team is bright. Darius Fudge, who averages 5.5 yards per carry for his careeer, provides that bright outlook for Western. After coming to Cullowhee just before the 2003 season opener, it took Fudge some time to find his stride. However, late in 2004 he started showing flashes, namely a 134-yard rushing effort in a win over Appalachian State. However, a broke leg one week after that performance left a question mark for the 2005. Fudge responded with an excellent junior season to be named All-SoCon by the league's coaches thanks to a 133-yard effort in a win over Furman and back-to-back-to-back, 90-plus yard efforts versus Chattanooga, Wofford and Elon to lead the Catamounts' late season resurgence.
Western will have to replace Lamont Reid, who scored a team-high eight touchdowns in 2005 and went on to sign with the Tennessee Titans. Also, tailback Nicholas Wishart was injured late in 2005 and will not be able to play his senior season at Western, while the steady fullback John Bush has graduated.
A quartet of players in Mike Malone, Albert Ashcraft, Joe Clark and L.J. Davis should allow Western to fill those voids. Malone, a multiple Southern Conference sprint champion, burst onto the football scene last season by ranking second in the nation in kick returns. He did not get that many opportunities at tailback last season due to Fudge's play, as well as Wishart and Reid seeing time at the position. Another speedster, University of South Carolina transfer Albert Ashcraft, will battle Malone for playing time.
The fullback position lost two key performers in Reid and Bush. However, Clark proved to be the physical runner and blocker that Western has enjoyed over the past four years in Bush. However, Clark is just a redshirt freshman who came to Western and spent the 2005 as a linebacker. Davis saw most of his playing time as a true freshman in 2005 at tight end, especially with a pair of seniors already at fullback and the preseason injury to tight end James Singletary. However, Davis's size, speed and blocking ability will allow Western to have multiple looks without having to change personnel.
Wide Receivers/Tight Ends
The Catamount wide outs could be one of Western's deepest positions with the return of J.C. Brown and Michael Hines. Brown (28 catches for 374 yards) and Hines (27 for 368) both ranked among the SoCon leaders in both receptions and receiving yards. Plus Western will have a healthy Eddie Cohen, who battled multiple injuries last season, and the return of 2004 playmaker Calvin Guinyard, who sat out last season due to NCAA regulations. Cohen, who had 34 receptions as a freshman, only had eight catches in 2005 due to toe injury and a concussion. Guinyard averaged an impressive 17.3 yards per reception in 2004, including a six-catch, 154-yard outing versus Chattanooga. Also, Western has back Nick Miller, who used his outstanding speed to make some big plays in 2005, local product Kyle Garland, senior Morrio Clark and junior Chris Jefferson.
Without question, the tight end position is Western's strength as the Catamounts enter the 2006 season.
"With the return of James Singletary, L.J. Davis and Shamar Allan, our tight ends make up the best group of combined tight ends in the Southern Conference," Briggs said.
Singletary had an outstanding freshman campaign in 2004 and is an imposing figure at 6-2, 270. An injury during last year's preseason caused the sophomore to take a medical redshirt. In his stead, Davis and Allen, along with the graduated Jacob Hannah, gave Western a solid group last season as well. With Allen entering his junior season with a lot of game experience under his belt, the Asheville native is set to make an impact in 2006. Davis, as previously mentioned, is also expected to make an impact, playing both tight end and running back.
Offensive Line
Western lost four starting linemen last season, including All-SoCon honorees Linden Ryan and Kevin McAlmont as well as Luis Herron and Wendell Singletary. Not only were Ryan and McAlmont all-league performers, but Ryan started each WCU contest at center over the last four years with McAlmont getting nearly every snap at guard over the past three seasons. Also, during this past spring, projected starter in redshirt freshman Ben Davies suffered an injury, forcing him to miss the 2006 season.
"A big key to our success offensively, as well as a team, lies in the maturing of the offensive line, which showcases four new starters," Briggs said. "Their play will probably be the biggest gauge of our success for our football team. The group is talented and anchored by seniors Marcus Thomas and Mark Burgess. We will rely on sophomores Justin Johnson, Kevin Wiggins and Josh Deaver, as well as newcomer Chris Huffman, to solidify this position."
Thomas is an all-star caliber player at left tackle. Not only is he 6-6 and 285 pounds, but he is physical with an excellent understanding of the game. Starting opposite of Thomas will be Burgess, who played both right tackle and guard last season.
Wiggins, who saw limited action during his true freshman season at center, and Johnson, who made the move from defense during spring drills, will battle for the starting center position. Either of the two could additionally provide depth at guard. Deaver, like Wiggins, saw some action during his true freshman season. While he has shown the ability to be a force for years to come, he, along with the other underclassmen, will hopefully survive a baptism through fire early to produce a potent offense as the season progresses.
Defensive Line
Western suffered a setback in the offseason when rising senior Corey Ellison had knee surgery which will more than likely end his playing career. However, All-American candidate Felipe Foster will once again be getting the focus of opposing coaches, taking the pressure off the likes of John Martin, Jeff Bradley, Darren Curtis, transfer Brandon Drumgoole and other newcomers.
Foster has not put up big numbers in his first three years at Western, but the league coaches, who have had to prepare for him, named him preseason all-conference prior to last season despite having just 13 tackles the previous year. He lived up to the billing, by earning first team All-SoCon recognition by the coaches even though he tallied just 21 stops in nine games. Foster, who has great quickness and strength, adds further discomfort to opposing coaches by his ability to be effective at any of the front four spots.
Martin, who battled injuries last season, will either line up next to Foster or serve as his replacement. Bradley, who the coaches were hoping to play end, may end up returning to tackle with the loss of Ellison. Curtis had a solid freshman campaign and started three of the first four games last season before an injury slowed his progress. He still managed five tackles for losses despite playing just six contests. During the summer of 2006, Drumgoole made the decision to transfer from Wake Forest. The Greensboro native and rising sophomore missed his freshman season with the Deacons with an injury. Not only does Drumgoole stand 6-6 and weigh 230 pounds, but he was a standout track performer at Ragsdale High School.
Linebackers
It is hard to image that a team who lost two of its top tacklers, Lamar Barnes and James Conklin, over each of the last three seasons would still be in good shape. However, two experienced players and two underclassmen give promise to the corps.
"Linebacker should be a solid group, featuring three-year letterman Shelton Gaffney and Travis Hill as well as the emergence of Marcus Nelums. We also had a pleasant surprise during spring drills with the play of Drew Walker and Josh Smith."
Gaffney has been a part-time starter of the last two seasons and has played in each contest since coming here as a true freshman in 2003. Hill, who had a breakout freshman season as the team's tackles leader, battled injuries last season and only registered 20 tackles. Nelums started his career as a wide receiver before moving to defensive end prior to the Mars Hill game last season. He moved once again to linebacker for his sophomore season and the Catamount coaching staff feels his size, speed and athleticism will make him a player to watch. Also expecting to be a solid contributor is sophomore Chaz Jackson.
Walker, who is entering his third year in Cullowhee, has yet to see game action. He sat out each of the last two years with a back injury but is poised to be a contributor in 2006. In January of 2006, Smith came to Western after a season at Navy Prep. He has good size and speed and possesses the tenacity coaches look for in a linebacker.
Secondary
The secondary was Western's strength last season, featuring two first team All-SoCon performers in Primus Glover and Francis Brown. However, the secondary may be in just as good, if not better shape in 2006. Senior safety Mitchell Dukes had an impressive 10 tackles for losses, including 6.5 sacks. Also, senior Bruce Lee was an All-SoCon honoree in 2004 while junior Carlton Bailey had 33 tackles, two interceptions and four pass breakups last season.
"The secondary could be strong once again if we stay healthy," Briggs said. "We return three players who have a lot of experience and our group of newcomers is talented. In particular, true freshman Antoine George and junior college transfer Kurt Clouden are being counted on to contribute early."
Giving Lee and Bailey a spell at corner will be junior Meko Watson, who had an excellent spring. The key will be finding someone to replace Glover at the other safety spot. Isaac Green and Brandon Breeden have each seen significant playing time while junior college transfer Mordy Ornguze, Darrell Gray and Jeremy Louis each have proven in practice to be capable replacements for Glover or a backup to Dukes.
Special Teams
Western returns all five of its specialists from last year. Headlining the group are All-American candidates Tim Mayse and Mike Malone. Mayse, a senior punter, is a two-time All-SoCon performer, leading the league in punting average in each of the last two years. Malone, a junior return specialist, ranked second in the nation in kick returns, which went a long way in the Catamounts pacing the nation in the category.
"Our kicking game should be the strongest it's been since I've been here," Briggs said.
Bolstering the group is junior Stephen Brown. A jack-of-all-trades, the Cullowhee native is integral in the success of both the Cats' punting game and kicking game. He has mastered the pooch punt, having 14 of his career 19 punts downed inside the opponent's 20. While he does just come in for pooch punting, he still averaged over 37 yards per punt last season. Brown also can serve as either the placekicker or holder. Sophomore Jonathan Parsons took over as the placekicker at season's end in 2005, making all 16 of his kicks (13 extra points and three field goals). He will also battle Mayse for handling kickoff duties. Getting the kicking game started is senior deep snapper Bubba Hamrick, who will be seeing action as the deep snapper for the fourth season.
Western's lone concern will be replacing Francis Brown as the punt returner with senior J.C. Brown, who has returned punts in each of the last two years, being the leading candidate to handle the task.
